Janet Keene Obituary
Janet was born in 1957 to Bill and Donna Sanderson. She is survived by her two extraordinary children, James Keene and Ali Keene, whom she idolized and loved more than anything in the world. As a mother, Janet was her children's greatest confidante, biggest cheerleader, safety net, and best friend. Janet was a loving daughter to her mother and father, and a devoted sister to Brad Sanderson (Susan), Cort Sanderson (Susan), Paula Sanderson (Bob) and Lianne Sanderson.
Janet had one of the biggest hearts in the world, filled with so many people she loved and adored, including her son-in-law, Scott Outridge; partner, Doug Hannan; and her late former husband, friend and father of her children, Bert Keene. She cared deeply for her extended Sanderson family, the Hannans, the Keenes, and her countless friends-whom she considered family.
Janet was a force of nature and an incredibly driven and independent businesswoman. She spent over forty years in the fashion footwear industry, building a reputation as a dynamic, empathetic and highly trusted partner to all, creating many friendships along the way. Janet naturally lit up any room she walked into, and had the rare ability to make any occasion feel like a party. Effortlessly funny and outgoing, she was also a great listener, making everyone in her sphere feel special and important.
Her "Janet-isms" were infectious and made her one of a kind. Having a "light" meal with a "titch" of wine with friends and family, watching the sunset, and dancing the night away were some of the simple pleasures that Janet loved. She lived life to the fullest, laughed a lot, loved deeply, and saw places and met people from around the world during her many travels.
Her best friend of 60 years summed it up perfectly: "A piece of my soul is gone forever, and no one will ever, or could ever, fill her fabulous shoes."
We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of Janet's caregivers.
A "sis-boom-bah" to celebrate Janet will be planned for a later date. In Janet's memory, a donation can be made to ALS Canada or Sunnybrook's ALS Clinic.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
16 Entries
Jean Letellier
July 17, 2025
My condolences to dear Ali and family. I will miss Janet, after I left the business we still kept in touch, when she'd come to Ottawa, I would join them for dinner, we always had a good time. From the moment I met Janet I could see and feel how genuine she was, she loved what she did. It was always a joy working with her. She always had a positive attitude about her. She loved life and loved to make people happy (especially when you gave her a big order). She was a smart business woman and cared about your business. She worked hard and still managed to rise beautiful kids, Ali and Jamie who I had a pleasure of meeting at a very young age. All I have is good memories.
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Debbie Williams
July 10, 2025
Dear Ali and Family,
It's truly impossible to find the words to describe Janet's impact on my life and I'm sure on all the people in her very large circle. Knowing Janet for 36 plus years , we were among the very few female trailblazers on the road! She was a top notch, enthusiastic happy and well respected business woman, most of us could only aspire to be. We worked hard and sometimes played hard, sharing many laughs and serious chats always scheming on how we could to work together one day...
We had many things in common not only in business but in our personal lives. We especially were lucky enough to share a few years on the road when both Ali & Chels worked at our sides, the MOTHER -DAUGHTER Teams! We really had fun, mixing up our customers on who was who! Janet was always very so generous and giving , always having kind things to say and time to listen and laugh.
I will cherish all our heartfelt personal conversations, figuring out the
shoe biz & visits at her cottage. She loved to share good times and was sincerely always there for me.
I will miss you dearly my friend, Hugs Babe!
Our deepest condolences Ali, to you and your family.
Love Deb, Greg & Chels.
Bradley Becker
July 9, 2025
Dear Ali and Family, we are very heartbroken to learn of Janets´ passing and we send our deepest condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. Janet was an amazing person who made every shoe buy a joy to attend, while her contagious smiles, hugs, trustworthiness and friendliness made a huge impact on our lives. We will always think about Janets´ special aura and her kind attitude towards everyone. She was always the master at making a case for `a third colour´ in every shoe and her passion for her brands was unmatched. Personally, the first AFA shoe show I attended was where I met Janet and she did a great job of convincing us to get back into Josef Siebel and to try Romika after some hesitation on our part. It´s a memory I will keep close to my heart as from the moment I met Janet, she treated me with great respect and dignity.
With deepest sympathy,
Bradley, Felicity, Donna & Doug
Ron Ste Marie
July 9, 2025
My condolence's to Janet's Family , Janet will be deeply missed i have know her thru the trade for 25 plus years and Janet was always as mentioned by others cheerful and Funny and a joy to be around, another one taken way too early , She called me Ronnie definitely a name from many years ago , Ron Ste Marie
Jennifer Scheel
July 9, 2025
Very sad to here , Janet was such a bubbly , happy person and this is our loss and heaven just got the most beautiful angel to look down on us and remind us to be happy everyday .......
Shawna Jacob
July 9, 2025
I´m truly heartbroken to hear about Janet´s passing. She was such a bright light-always smiling, always making people feel at ease. I feel so lucky to have worked alongside her. Nobody gave better hugs...She had a special way of making you feel seen and valued, and I´ll always remember her genuine warmth and kindness. She´ll be deeply missed. Sending all my love and heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Stuart Sugar
July 9, 2025
Janet, to say that you will be missed is a massive understatement. You're a colleague, a confidant and a friend. From the times we spent drinking wine at hotel shoe shows to our (too few) lunches together and long phone rants at the start of every booking season, spending time with you was never anything less than wonderful. The last time we saw each other we said that we needed to get together for lunch or a drink and it breaks my heart that we never got to fulfill that plan.
Alison and family, Janet was an amazing spirit and I am so so sorry for your loss. May her memory forever be a blessing. Stay strong.
Susan Steele
July 6, 2025
Thankyou for the best times ever; whether it was our snowmobiling weekends, my birthday weekend at the cottage, or our quiet moments on our docks on Chemong Lake. It was always a memorable time spent with you. You were the best at opening your home for our Easter´s,Thanksgiving and Christmas, it was chaotic but the memories made were filled with your love and laughter. You were one of a kind my friend.
You left us too soon "Grief is the price we pay for our love"
Love you Janet, you will continue to be right beside me wherever I go
Thankyou for your amazing friendship and when I think about our times together I will be forever grateful.
Susan
Thankyou Jamie and Ali for having me and Cort for brunch on Mothers Day, your Mom fed us every Sat night for 10 summers , it was a running joke between us as we all know I do not cook. It is one of my greatest memories as Janet could effortlessly throw something together and it was like eating at a 5 Star restaurant
Uncle Cort and I had the best time with u guys
Thankyou always for including us
Paula Sanderson
July 4, 2025
Janet my big sister was full of so much life.Janet was the kind of sister that you could pick up the phone to chitchat or talk about your problems.
At her cottage everyone would go to bed , nope not Janet and I.With a few cocktails in Janet and I would stay up and could solve the worlds problems.Im going to miss you so much my heart aches. I know you are in a better place pain free. But boy this does not make it any easier.
Until we meet again I love you
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